Former Belgium Prime Minister Advocates UNSC Expansion, Calls for Inclusion of India and Brazil

Former Belgium Prime Minister Yves Leterme has strongly advocated for the permanent inclusion of India in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), asserting that such a move would enhance the council's legitimacy and representation. Leterme contended that the UNSC needs to adapt to the realities of the 21st century and should have representation that goes beyond the structures established in the 20th century.

Lauding the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating India's geopolitical stature, Leterme said that India has earned the right to a more robust position in the multilateral arena. He emphasized the need for a reset in multilateral institutions, suggesting a rebalancing to address the evolving global power dynamics.

Regarding rising nations like India, some African countries, and Brazil, Leterme insisted that they are entitled to significant roles in the multilateral framework. He expressed his support for India's bid for permanent UNSC membership, stating that the legitimacy of the Security Council's work would be enhanced if India and Brazil were included, making it more representative.

Leterme also discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Project, emphasizing its complementary nature to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He dispelled the notion of competition, stating that the new initiative complements and completes the existing offers.

Commenting on Mr. Modi's leadership, Leterme praised India's progress in becoming a trustworthy partner in geopolitics. Regarding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the EU, he emphasized the EU's interest in concluding the FTA with India and suggested that the European Union should invest more in its partnership with India. Leterme stressed the importance of India playing a non-aligned role, cooperating with all states rather than aligning exclusively with the United States or China.

(With Agency Inputs)